Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has urged Governor Gavin Newsom to veto Senate Bill 79, which seeks to accelerate housing development statewide, arguing that it poses significant risks to Los Angeles communities and undermines local control, while housing advocates argue that the bill is necessary to address California’s housing and climate crises.
AB 1376, which would end endless probation for youth in California, has the potential to give them more of a voice in their personal situation and allow them to move forward, rather than being stuck in a revolving door of the juvenile justice system.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has called on Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the No Secret Police Act, SB 627, which bans federal and local law enforcement, including ICE, from wearing ski masks and other forms of extreme masking, while Senator Scott Wiener has issued a strong statement in support of the bill.
Senate Bill 79, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, has passed the California Legislature and is now headed to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, and aims to expand access to affordable housing by legalizing midrise, multifamily housing near major transit stops while protecting rent-stabilized apartments.
Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) announced that two bills, SB 580 and SB 635, which provide protections for immigrants and street vendors, have passed the California Legislature and are now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.
The Torrance City Council is considering an ordinance that would make it illegal for homeless people to refuse shelter, while also considering the creation of military-style camps with tents to expand temporary housing.
By Vanguard Staff SACRAMENTO – Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes’ bill to expand affordable housing financing has cleared…
California lawmakers passed two landmark housing bills, SB 79 and CEQA reform, to address the state’s housing crisis, but their impact remains to be seen due to structural realities and local political resistance.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have won a court ruling against Huntington Beach, requiring the city to adopt a compliant housing plan within 120 days and restricting its ability to approve development until it does so.
Assemblymember Chris Ward’s bill, AB 253, has passed the Legislature and is now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, allowing applicants to hire licensed private professionals to conduct plan checks for certain residential permits when local building departments cannot complete reviews within 30 business days, in order to address long delays in residential building permits.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to comply with his earlier ruling restoring Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans and Haitians, after the government failed to update its systems and blocked TPS holders from re-registering.
The California State Senate passed the Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, which will allow more homes to be built near major public transportation stops and on land owned by transit agencies, in an effort to address the state’s affordability crisis.
The California Assembly passed SB 79, a bill that would allow more housing near public transportation, reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, increase transit ridership and affordability, and streamline approval processes for transit-oriented development.
The CA Coalition to Defend Public Education is urging state senators to reject AB 715, a bill that would give the state too much control over what is taught in classrooms and could potentially harm free speech and academic freedom.
The California Legislature has passed the No Secret Police Act (SB 627), which prohibits law enforcement from concealing their faces with extreme masking, and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Senate Bill 634, authored by state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, has passed, prohibiting local jurisdictions from penalizing individuals or organizations for offering assistance to those living without stable housing, and marking a crucial step in protecting essential services to unhoused Californians.
John Burton, a California political leader, passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of legislative achievement and personal advocacy, as documented in his autobiography written with veteran journalist Andy Furillo.
California’s Democratic leadership has been criticized for passing measures that roll back environmental protections, with high-profile bills like SB 131 and SB 237 being negotiated behind closed doors and with little public input or hearings.
California’s housing crisis is exacerbated by Nimbyism, which prioritizes the preferences of existing homeowners over the needs of those struggling to find housing, resulting in increased costs and displacement for renters, commuters, and the unhoused.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles County, the Sheriff’s Department, and Correctional Health Services, alleging ongoing unconstitutional and inhumane conditions in the county’s jails, citing overcrowding, understaffing, and lack of medical care.